* Ho'ike Night Free exhibition : Edith Kanaka'ole Multipurpose Stadium
This evening event is special gift to the residents of Hilo and visitors. It is performed in the same statium as the Merrie Monarch Hula competitions, with the same pagentry, and it is free. So those that are unable to get a ticket to the evening competitions can still get the thrilling experience by attending the Ho'ike. The only catch is that the popularity of the event and the open seating means you need to get in line very early to get a good seat. Our first year to the Ho'ike we got in line at 5PM and were very surprised to find that the line already extended from the Stadium all the way to the Civic Auditorium. We missed the entrance of the Royal Court and the Pule (since they close the gates during that time) and finally got a seat behind the stage which limited our view of the dances. The next year we got in line at 2:30PM with water, food, lawn chairs, crossword puzzles and an umbrella (because it was raining). Being in line for that many hours you become friends with the many visitors and locals with shared enthusiasm for the event and hula. Look at some pictures and movies from previous Ho'ike in 2009 and 2008 to get an idea of what the event is like.